The Town of Buchanan sits in the valley of the Blue Ridge and Alleghany mountains with a population of 1,200. On April 1, 2009, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a boil water order after finding evidence of a microscopic parasite in one of the Town’s four wells. This began a project by VDH and VRA to fund a new micro-filtration plant through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The project, completed in 17 months, culminated in the new plant being dedicated in August 2010. The micro-filtration plant filters and chlorinates water pumped from the previously contaminated well. The $340,000 loan is secured by water and sewer system revenues and the full faith and credit of the Town.